Ben Maher adds another top horse to his string

Ben Maher has a new addition to his string — the 11-year-old Quick Star stallion Tackeray.

The former ride of Billy Twomey and, in the past, Michael Whitaker, was seen out with Ben for the first time at Addington on Tuesday where they finished second in a 1.40m competition.

The following day they were at the Olympic test event in Greenwich where they came third in the showjumping demonstration class behind Nick Skelton (Carlo) and Laura Kraut (Cedric).

The stallion was bought last week by Mike and Emma Phillips of the Quainton Stud as an addition to Ben’s formidable top string, which includes Robin Hood W, Tripple X III and Voske.

“I’ve liked him his whole life but he’s been with two of the best riders in the world so it’s a hard act to follow,” said Ben. “We felt he would be very useful to join the horses we have.”

According to Ben, his top horse Robin Hood W — who hasn’t been seen in competition since the start of the year — is feeling well and raring to go, but he’s in no hurry to push the 13-year-old gelding unnecessarily.

“When he does come back he’ll be the most refreshed horse I’ve had!” said Ben. “But everything we do with him is about coming here [to Greenwich] next year — there’s no better horse than him for a championship.”

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